Hidden Dangers in the Home

Un-Seen Hazards Your Dog and Cat Might Encounter in the Home

Dogs and cats are notorious for eating anything and everything they can find, and even careful pet-proofing does not guarantee your precious pet won't swallow items you never thought of, such as towels or socks. These un-seen dangers can not only be costly to remove, they can cost Fido and Fluffy his life.

Below are some of the most unusual items dogs and cats have swallowed and the cost of removing them, according to American Kennel Club (AKC(r)) pet healthcare provider, PetPartners, Inc.

Dogs

Toy $669

Sock $1,173

Snail bait $146

Golf balls $1,844

Dental Floss $3,590

Loose change $1,018

Cats

Hair band $1,505

Toy Ball $1,454

Interestingly enough, the most popular items that cats ingest are hair bands and toy balls while dogs seem to have an affinity for toys and socks, according to PetPartners, Inc. Though they may seem like small items, they are quite costly to remove.

To keep your pet out of the emergency room, the American Kennel Club offers the following tips to prevent your pet from eating things he shouldn't:

Prevention.

You can avoid a trip to the emergency room all together by taking some extra time to pet-proof your house. Make sure the garbage is secured, food is kept out of reach, and put clothes, shoes, and toys away. Watch out for tinsel from your Christmas tree, beads, and buttons as well�these items are small enough for your cat to swallow.

Provide an alternative.

If you give your pet his own toys, then electrical cords and socks may not seem as appealing. Make sure to give your furry friend chew toys that are large enough so they can't be swallowed, and make them easily accessible for him.

Supervision.

You should always try and supervise your dog and cat during playtime. You can avoid serious injury and sky-high vet bills if you are watching your pets and can take quick action when you notice something is wrong.

Regular exercise is important.

Try and schedule regular exercise for your dog and cat. Well-exercised pets tend to get into less trouble.